Mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence

ABSTRACT

A perimeter fence comprises at least one substantially horizontal base portion and at least one corresponding barrier portion, which is removably secured to the respective base portion, comprising a pair of substantially vertical posts and a panel supported therebetween. The fence limits access to a designated area and can be used, for example, for crowd control at concerts and other outdoor events, protest/demonstration crowd management and facility/infrastructure perimeter protection. The fence utilizes a modular design and an improved fastening and storage system; and thus can be readily assembled for mobile use and disassembled for storage and transport. Metal expanded wire mesh or solid panels are provided to maximize security and limit access. The fence is provided in various dimensions to reduce scalability and thus further limit access. A plurality of adjacent panels can be employed to extend the fence as necessary about the designated area based on the particular application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/761,738, filed Apr. 4, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a perimeter fence for limiting access to a designated area and, in particular, to a mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence for crowd control/management and perimeter protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional portable fencing provides a means for enclosing an area. However, such fencing lacks the versatility for use in a broad range of applications. With the increased requirement to meet security demands on a worldwide basis, there is a need for a portable/mobile security fence that can be used in multiple situations to effectively control pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Such a fence should preferably be capable of rapid assembly and breakdown for efficient storage and transport.

In addition, there is a need for a security fence that is adaptable and can readily be upgraded to deter any number of evolving threats from, for example, unauthorized entry by pedestrians and vehicles; breach of the fence by objects, hazardous materials and projectiles; and tunneling under the fence. A system for preventing interference with the integrity of the fence is also desirable to reduce concerns about breaching the fence.

Such a fence should be adaptable for use in virtually any type of terrain or weather conditions including, for example, high wind situations and coastal applications. In addition, a fence incorporating means for observation of crowds and means for effectively communicating threats or developing situations is also desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A perimeter fence according to the present invention comprises at least one substantially horizontal base portion and at least one corresponding barrier portion, which is removably secured to the respective base portion, comprising a pair of substantially vertical posts and a panel supported therebetween. The fence limits access to a designated area and can be used, for example, for crowd control at concerts and other outdoor events, protest/demonstration crowd management and facility/infrastructure perimeter protection. The fence utilizes a modular design and an improved fastening system; and thus can be readily assembled for mobile use and disassembled for storage and transport. Metal expanded wire mesh or solid panels are provided to maximize security and limit access. The fence is provided in various dimensions, for example, eight and twelve foot heights to reduce scalability and thus further limit access. A plurality of adjacent panels can be employed to extend the fence as necessary about the designated area based on the particular application.

The present invention provides multiple embodiments to meet the specific needs, for example, of protective services requiring a protective perimeter for a building and the like or a mobile military check point for deployment in a forward area of operation. The embodiments are scalable to mitigate different threat levels and can be quickly deployed and recovered as needed.

Private organizations and government agencies along with military/law enforcement services can benefit from use of the present invention. From repairing an external fence line at a correctional facility to operating a check point in a forward operating area in a foreign country, the present invention satisfies a unique niche for the needs of many governmental agencies. The present fence can also secure an entrance to a compound or secure the perimeter of a site. The fence can also be used for shoot houses and training ranges to provide a portable surface mount crash and ballistic rated range of uses.

In one embodiment, a 130 mph wind rated construction provides a high level of wind resistance. Moreover, a gantry or catwalk associated with an upper or lower panel provides an elevated observation position to identify potential threats. When a gantry is used in conjunction with liquid attack panels or steel ballistic protective panels, an improved means for maintaining a secure perimeter is provided.

As a further example, robust perimeter security levels are also required for airports. Airports have experienced many changes in security mandates since 2001. All airport operators are now required to evaluate their perimeter protection plans on an ongoing basis. Likewise, sea ports must ensure continuity of port security. According to the present invention, a high security quarantine area for people or cargo can be established, and the fence can provide a secure area for bonded shipments in an existed mixed-use facility. The present invention can include an entrance or exit (not shown) on a temporary basis with the same reliability as a permanent gate for ports of all types. In one embodiment, the present fence is crash rated (M30 and M40) to provide an anti-ram portable vehicle barrier for a layered security perimeter system.

Theft of equipment and materials at construction and industrial sites is also an ever-increasing problem worldwide. Studies have estimated that in some sectors, construction theft can add 1-2% to the bottom line of a project cost. Not only do direct costs with losses of material and equipment effect profitability, indirect costs due to schedule and work interruption can be as costly, if not more so. Construction sites often include a large quantity of high value assets such as construction materials, tools and equipment that may be left unattended for extended periods of time. These factors make such sites inviting targets for theft. Unlike many temporary fences that largely constitute a visual barrier, the present high security perimeter fence controls access to a site and helps mitigate potential losses.

In addition, the sheer size and scope of events like Glastonbury®, Lollapalooza® and Championship/All-Star sporting events, along with the associated “fan” activities, make crowd protection and management a challenge. Keeping the “fence jumpers” and other threats, both human and vehicular VAAW (Vehicle As A Weapon), out of an event are of paramount importance. With operators of major events taking a proactive approach to the planning of HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation), local and municipal events are taking the potential threat of an accidental incident or intentional attack seriously. There is a need for crash rated VSBs (Vehicle Security Barriers) that are portable/mobile, surface mounted and designated for rapid deployment and recovery for temporary or semi-permanent needs. When a VSB is used in conjunction with the present invention, a high security perimeter can be established and maintained for the duration of an event or concert. Keeping unknown threats and non-paying patrons out of an event site matters. Thus, the present invention also provides threat mitigation and event revenue protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the basic single upright panel embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upright wire mesh panel;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the panel shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detail view of the upper portion of the panel shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an upper corner portion of the panel shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of upper corner portions of a plurality of stacked panels;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the plane 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the single upright panel embodiment including connector compounds;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a securing plate for preventing removal of a panel;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a dual panel construction;

FIG. 14 is a detail view of an upper connection portion of the dual panel construction of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a detail view of a lower connection portion of the dual panel construction of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the dual panel construction of FIG. 13 including a representative upper panel extension;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the dual panel construction of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a dual view of the connector components showing an upper panel extension joined to the single upright panel embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an extended height panel embodiment with a gantry and brace members including detail views A-J showing various connector components;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the extended height panel embodiment of FIG. 19 further including protective cover plates/panels and an enhanced bracing system;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a single upright panel embodiment including a protective cable assembly to provide a portable vehicle barrier;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an extended height construction of the present invention including post infills and a razor wire deterrent assembly; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a plurality of extended height panel constructions joined to form a portion of a perimeter fence including a gantry, bracing system and razor wire deterrent assembly according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of a mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence 10 according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, comprises a basic single panel construction including at least one substantially horizontal anti-tunneling base portion 12 and at least one corresponding barrier portion 14 removably associated with the respective base portion comprising a pair of posts 16, each post including a post base 18 and a post upright 20. A gusset 22 is provided at the juncture of the post base 18 and post upright 20 to strengthen the connection. The substantially horizontal base portion 12 is removably associated between the post bases 18 and a panel 24 is removably supported between the post uprights 20. Each panel 24 is preferably about eight feet high and about four feet wide, although other dimensions can be employed depending on the particular application. The present security fence is a surface mount system which can be deployed unballasted in some configurations or can be anchored in place, if desired.

The present invention provides a threat-adaptable temporary surface mount high security fence for multiple applications.

Each base portion 12 includes a plurality of sides 26 to form a horizontal support. Selected sides of each base portion 12 include a plurality of preferably L or J-shaped pins 28; and each post base 18 includes opposed sides 30, each opposed side 30 defining a plurality of corresponding apertures 32, for example, as defined by hollow members or tubes 34, for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 28. Each base portion 12 includes an expanded wire mesh 36 secured thereto as by welding. At least one tab member 38 (also see FIGS. 8-10) extends along each side of the base portion 12 to facilitate stacking of a plurality of base portions 12 for storage and to prevent shifting during transport. The base portion 12 prevents unauthorized access by individuals digging under the barrier.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, each panel 24 includes a plurality of sides 40 to form an upright frame 42. Selected sides of each panel 24 include a plurality of pins 44; and each post upright 20 includes opposed sides 46, each opposed side defining a plurality of corresponding apertures 32 for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 28. In particular, selected sides of the panel 24 include an upper downwardly extending pin 48 and a lower downwardly extending pin 50. Each post upright 20 includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining an upper aperture 52 and a lower aperture 54 for releasably receiving a corresponding pin 44. Each upper pin 48 is preferably longer than each lower pin 50 whereby, for ease of assembly, each upper pin 48 is received within a corresponding upper aperture 52 before each lower pin 50 is received within a corresponding lower aperture 54. Each pin 44 (and 28) preferably includes a rounded or chamfered end portion 56 to facilitate engagement with the corresponding aperture 52 or 54. In a similar construction to the base portion 12, each panel 24 includes an expanded wire mesh 36 secured thereto and at least one tab member 58 (see FIGS. 8-10) along each side thereof to facilitate stacking of the panels for storage and transport.

A securing plate 60 can be attached to each post base 18 and post upright 20 adjacent each pin 28 and 44 (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) to restrict removal of each pin 44 from the corresponding aperture 32, 52 or 54 and thus prevent removal of a panel. Each securing plate includes a notched portion 62 at each end thereof for holding a pin in position. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate alternative views of the pin, aperture and securing plate construction.

FIGS. 16-18 show the connection of the upper end of a post upright 20 to the lower end of an upright extension post 64 with a sleeve member 66 to provide an extended height embodiment. An extension post is removably secured to the upper portion of each post upright to support an extension panel in the same manner as each panel (with a pin/aperture assembly or pin/aperture/securing plate assembly). For increased stability, the frame of each extension panel is preferably about four feet high and can include pins for engaging openings defined in the upper portion of each panel. As a result, a strong and durable structure is provided combining a lower panel assembly and an upper panel assembly including an upper extension panel 68.

FIG. 19 relates to a further embodiment of the present invention showing a two panel extended height embodiment including an elevated gantry or catwalk 70 secured to and supported by a frame member 72 to provide overwatch capability. The gantry includes a base portion 74, upright posts 76 secured to the frame member 72 and a safety or guardrail 78 connected to each respective upright post 76 in the same manner as the panel 24 employing pins and apertures/tubes. A plurality of height-adjustable brace posts 80 can be provided to support and further stabilize the assembly including the gantry or catwalk 70. Each brace post extends at a downward angle, preferably about 30 degrees relative to vertical, from the rear surface of each respective post upright to support the barrier portion in an upright position. A lower portion of the brace post includes anchoring positions to fasten the brace post to the ground or other installation surface. FIGS. 19a-j show detail views of the various points of connection as previously described including details of the upper and lower brace post connectors 81 a and 81 b in FIGS. 19 a, b, i and j.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the extended height embodiment further including a cable mounting bracket 82 secured to each post upright 20, each bracket including a plurality of channels 64 for receiving and supporting a cable for use as a vehicle deterrent. Also shown is a pair of upper and lower anti-tamper post infills 86 which cover and limit external access to the upright post connection points. The post infill is removably secured to the front surface of a post upright to cover the space between adjacent panels. Finger access openings can be provided to facilitate installation of the post infills. Additional height-adjusting brace posts 88 can be connected to the upright post 76 to further reinforce the structure and provide additional wind resistance for the structure. The structure with additional brake posts can withstand extremem wind or coastal applications, for example, to provide a 130 mph wind rating. The top of each upright post 76 can include a removable bracket 90 for attaching barbed or razor wire as an additional deterrent.

FIGS. 21-23 are additional perspective, elevational and side views, respectively, of a single upright panel embodiment including the cable mounting bracket 82 attached to each post upright 20 for releasably securing a plurality of substantially parallel cables 92 as an integrated VAAW (Vehicle As A Weapon) mitigation cable system. Each mounting bracket 82 includes a series of channels 94 for receiving the cables whereby the cables can extend across a plurality of adjacent panels to provide an effective vehicle barrier.

FIG. 24 is an additional perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 showing razor wire 96 extending across the upper portion of the structure and upper and lower post infills 86 available for connection to an adjacent panel assembly. In addition, solar lighting can be employed and components including fence-mounted sensors can be added to detect intrusion and scaling attempts. Moreover, an intrusion detection LED lighting system can be employed. Tamper-resistant locking handware can also be employed.

FIG. 25 shows a plurality of dual panel extended height structures joined to form a perimeter fence according to the present invention including all of the components described herein along with conduit 98 for high and/or low voltage wiring extending across the lower panels and supported within the channels 98 of the mounting brackets 82 and supported by comparable channels in the frame member 72 of the gantry or catwalk 70 for power or data transmission. In addition, a cover panel 100 is shown which can be a removable/modular liquid attack panel comprised of sheet metal 100 a or a removable ballistic attack panel 100 b to protect from gunfire or other projectiles. A viewing or observation port 102 can be provided. In the alternative, a privacy screen with graphics can be employed. The cover panels restrict visibility and can further comprise ballistic protective (AR 500 steel) panels or non-ballistic protective panels which prevent the passage of aerosolized liquids (acid/flammable fluids) thrown at the barrier.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be provided in other configurations and the foregoing description should not be construed as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence comprising: a) at least one substantially horizontal base portion; and b) at least one corresponding barrier portion removably secured to the respective base portion comprising a pair of substantially vertical posts and a panel removably supported therebetween, the panel including a plurality of sides and at least one tab member along each side thereof to facilitate stacking of a plurality of panels for storage and transport.
 2. The perimeter fence according to claim 1 wherein each post includes a front surface and a rear surface, further including a brace member extending at a downward angle from the rear surface of each respective post to support the barrier portion in an upright position.
 3. The perimeter fence according to claim 2 including an elevated support frame removably mounted to said posts, independent of the respective brace members, for supporting a deck member.
 4. The perimeter fence according to claim 3 wherein the elevated support frame includes a raised guard rail.
 5. The perimeter fence according to claim 1 wherein selected sides of the panel include a plurality of pins; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining a plurality of corresponding apertures for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 6. The perimeter fence according to claim 1 wherein selected sides of the panel include an upper downwardly extending pin and a lower downwardly extending pin; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining an upper aperture and a lower aperture for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 7. The perimeter fence according to claim 6 wherein each upper pin is longer than each lower pin whereby, for ease of assembly, each upper pin is received within a corresponding upper aperture before each lower pin is received within a corresponding lower aperture.
 8. The perimeter fence according to claim 5 wherein each pin includes a rounded end portion to facilitate engagement with the corresponding aperture.
 9. The perimeter fence according to claim 1 wherein each post includes a front surface and a rear surface; and a bracket removably secured to the rear surface of each post defining at least one receiving portion for supporting a cable to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 10. The perimeter fence according to claim 9 wherein the bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart receiving portions for supporting a plurality of substantially parallel cables to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 11. A mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence comprising: a) at least one substantially horizontal base portion; b) at least one barrier portion removably secured to the corresponding base portion comprising a pair of upstanding posts and a panel removably supported therebetween; c) each post including a front surface and a rear surface, further including a brace member extending at a downward angle from the rear surface of each respective post to support the barrier portion in an upright position; and d) an elevated support frame removably mounted to said posts, independent of the respective brace members, for supporting a deck member.
 12. The perimeter fence according to claim 11 wherein the elevated support frame includes a raised guard rail.
 13. The perimeter fence according to claim 11 wherein the panel includes a plurality of sides and selected sides of the panel include a plurality of pins; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining a plurality of corresponding apertures for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 14. The perimeter fence according to claim 11 wherein the panel includes a plurality of sides and selected sides of the panel include an upper downwardly extending pin and a lower downwardly extending pin; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining an upper aperture and a lower aperture for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 15. The perimeter fence according to claim 14 wherein each upper pin is longer than each lower pin whereby, for ease of assembly, each upper pin is received within a corresponding upper aperture before each lower pin is received within a corresponding lower aperture.
 16. The perimeter fence according to claim 13 wherein each pin includes a rounded end portion to facilitate engagement with the corresponding aperture.
 17. The perimeter fence according to claim 11 wherein the panel includes a plurality of sides and at least one tab member along each side thereof to facilitate stacking of a plurality of panels for storage and transport.
 18. The perimeter fence according to claim 11 wherein each post includes a front surface and a rear surface; and a bracket removably secured to the rear surface of that post defining at least one recessed portion for supporting a cable to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 19. The perimeter fence according to claim 18 wherein the bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart recessed portions for supporting a plurality of substantially parallel cables to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 20. A mobile high security anti-scale perimeter fence comprising: a) at least one substantially horizontal base portion; b) at least one barrier portion removably associated with the corresponding base portion comprising a pair of upstanding posts and a panel removably supported therebetween, each post including a front surface and a rear surface; and c) a bracket removably secured to the rear surface of each post defining at least one engaging portion for supporting a cable to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 21. The perimeter fence according to claim 20 further including a brace member extending at a downward angle from the rear surface of each respective post to support the barrier portion in an upright position.
 22. The perimeter fence according to claim 21 including an elevated support frame removably mounted to said posts, independent of the respective brace members, for supporting a deck member.
 23. The perimeter fence according to claim 22 wherein the elevated support frame includes a raised guard rail.
 24. The perimeter fence according to claim 20 wherein the panel includes a plurality of sides and selected sides of the panel include a plurality of pins; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining a plurality of corresponding apertures for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 25. The perimeter fence according to claim 20 wherein the panel includes a plurality of sides and selected sides of the panel include an upper downwardly extending pin and a lower downwardly extending pin; and wherein each post includes opposed sides, each opposed side defining an upper aperture and a lower aperture for releasably receiving a corresponding pin.
 26. The perimeter fence according to claim 25 wherein each upper pin is longer than each lower pin whereby, for ease of assembly, each upper pin is received within a corresponding upper aperture before each lower pin is received within a corresponding lower aperture.
 27. The perimeter fence according to claim 24 wherein each, pin includes a rounded end portion to facilitate engagement with the corresponding aperture.
 28. The perimeter fence according to claim 20 wherein the bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart engaging portions for supporting a plurality of substantially parallel cables to limit penetration of a vehicle through the fence.
 29. The perimeter fence according to claim 20 wherein the panel includes at least one tab along each side thereof to facilitate stacking of a plurality of panels for storage and transport. 